Check our exclusive interview with stunning former Miss Universe Albania and ELITE Model Angela Martini.
Angela was born in Shkodër, Albania, but moved to Switzerland at the age of 10 before transplanting to the States. At 18 Angela signed with major modeling agencies, NEXT and Elite, walking in NYFW shows and landing herself in the 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated.
Flash forward to 2010 where Angela competed in Trump’s Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas, NV and wound up placing sixth, missing the top 5 by fractions of a point. She currently holds the record for highest placing contestant representing Albania in the pageant.
Angela Martini is expanding her reach in the beauty & lifestyle space as an influencer, and is set to debut as a published author. The book, titled Ambassador of the Light, will chronicle the hardships her mother endured in her native Albania, escaping communism and re-establishing herself as a successful woman in Switzerland where Angela was raised.
Hi Angela, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I am Angela Martini, I was born in Albania, grew up in Switzerland and am living in United States. I am an author, movie producer, life coach and I activated as a model.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Gemini, Angel, Devil.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I started when I was 21 years old in Miami.
Did your family support this decision?
My mother supported my decision even though my father wasn’t the biggest fan of this profession.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
The fun comes from traveling all over the world, meeting new people and never knowing what the next day will bring you because I don’t like routine. The reward comes from getting a lot of friends, connections and many different life experiences. The other side of the coin comes from tiredness, struggling and the lack of security.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Honestly, I don’t know what my biggest failure was. Of course I have had failures in my life, too many to mention, but I’ve learned to embrace them because they were a part of my growth. I see failure as a stepping stone to success.
Tell us about your work as Miss Universe Albania?
I cannot tell you that much about it! The truth is that I was crowned Miss Albania with only a couple weeks before the Miss Universe contest. After the Miss Albania competition I went back to New York and back to my modeling jobs.
How did you got selected to represent Albania in the contest?
Like any other competitor, I won the competition in Albania, the country I was born in.
And now about your experience at ELITE models?
My experience with Elite Models was professional but also full of fun for the main reason of being and working in New York City!
What does fashion mean to you?
For me, fashion is the expression of my mood, it’s fun and I don’t take it that seriously.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I don’t have a specific fashion style. Everything depends on how I feel. I cannot leave the house without high heels, though. 🙂
Now tell us about your newest book “Ambassador of the Light,” and where we can get it?
Basically the main story of the book is about my mother and myself. The main impulse of writing this book originally came from my mother’s experiences of life, an outstanding strong woman, my role model and my inspiration, the one who marked my whole life. She was a great example for myself and for everyone who heard her story. In the book I revealed a part of the moments and feelings I lived, the good and the bad experiences of my life combined with my mother’s, leading to a powerful and inspirational story. The book is now in full process of being published and it will be released in October.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To me, happiness is the achievement of peace of mind.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Air, water, food, sleep and sunlight. :)) Every other thing is eventually disposable. 😉
Best advice ever given?
Best advice ever given to me ? That you are not your thoughts!
What is next for Angela Martini in 2019?
Launching my book, starting the second one and finishing editing my new short movies. About other things, I will say exactly how the blind man said: We will see! :))
Something people don’t know about you?
I hate seafood.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Summer, with my loved ones, a tropical environment, surrounded by blue water, on a boat.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
The Sumerian Enki, to find out everything about our origin and existence.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocado toast.
And your favorite cheat food?
Almost every day I cheat with food. Its all about pizza, pasta, burger and french fries. 🙂
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Besides the regular rules, 2 things: An unmatched astrological sign and a boring, not inspiring or basic conversation.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
It’s about a big challenge but it’s a secret for now!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Laying down in bed, watching documentaries all day long about the ancient civilizations.
Do you support any charity?
Not for the moment. But definitely when I will do it, nobody will know.
What kind of music do you listen normally?
Hip hop, R&B, Pop, Jazz and sometimes Albanian music. 🙂
How important is Social Media for you?
AS we are in 2019, of course social media is pretty important for me, professional wise and for fun as well. The most important things, though, remain in real life.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram at @angela_martini
Photos: Angela Martini
